40 days / 39 nights
1-3
30 / 10
60% / 40%
6,661 mi / 10,721 km
This is not a Camel Trophy–style event. It is grand touring, off the beaten path, in the constant shadow of the Andes—culminating at the end of the earth in Tierra del Fuego. When the route gets dirty, it’s designed to complement the capabilities of your 4WD INEOS Grenadier, requiring only moderate skills that naturally build along the way. We do this in unapologetic high style. Adventure need not sacrifice comfort, and elegance has its place even at the world’s end at Fin del Mundo. With refined accommodations and thoughtful details, this is no cookie-cutter tour. Off the shelf homogenized itineraries are not our style. We embrace spontaneity and the serendipitous discoveries that define true overlanding. The itinerary is deliberately unhurried, best described as a romantic 4WD driving holiday. Multiple two-night stays allow time for optional drives and meaningful exploration. With the KaravanADV team, you’ll experience this extraordinary journey to its fullest. And we have a lot of fun too!
Feb 22 - April 02
Nov 01 - Dec 10
Deposit of 5,000 USD per person to secure your position Final payment in full 60 days prior to container sailing date. See Refund and Cancellation Policy
Combine the High Andes Expedition with the Patagonia Expedition for substantial discount. Inquire about clubs and groups pricing benefits.
Itinerary, inclusions and amenities are subject to change based on availability at time of booking.
Flying into Santiago de Chile, our staff will greet you and transfer to the city center hotel where we’ll gather and have our first briefing. Transfers will be arranged for the 90 minute drive to the port of San Antonio to retrieve the vehicles, a process that can take up to three days to accomplish. Once on the road we’ll have the first of several border crossings, high in the Andes at Los Libertadores. Argentina greets you after the spiraling Los Caracoles Highway, before descending towards Mendoza. An excursion to get as close as possible to America's highest mountain peak (22,830 ft), will be planned. Having crossed the Andes, wineries fill the fertile valleys. Ideal soil conditions and climate have for almost five centuries nurtured a rich wine tradition here. At least two nights are scheduled near Mendoza with a number of primitive Andes roads, wineries and spa offerings to take advantage of.
The compass needle points south for the next couple weeks driving a mix of paved and unpaved roads along the legendary Ruta 40. Off road opportunities to explore the cool pine forested glacial lake regions along the Argentina-Chile border. You are now on the legendary Ruta 40.
This leg introduces the Patagonia of your dreams. Open wind swept spaces for as far as your eyes can see, reveal little in the way of vegetation. Sightings of guanaco herds, cousins of the camel, become more frequent. Ñandus, similar to emus and ostriches, bounce along the road side. Condors swirl above. And if you are lucky, a sighting of a mountain lion or two is not uncommon. This is the home of the gaucho.Looming in the distance the Andes become more prominent, jagged snow covered peaks of Fitz Roy at Chalten are breathtaking. Adding to the character will be stays in authentic estancias, Argentina working ranches. Count on a traditional asado of slow outdoor grilled meats (this is Argentina!) certainly complimented with Malbec. An excursion to view the wonder of the Perito Moreno glacier will be arranged.
On the windblown shores of the Straits of Magellan, the KaravanADV adventurers will ferry to the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego with a couple nights at the most southern populated point of the continent, Ushuaia. Penguins flourish in the area, deserving of an optional excursion. Turning north, the drive through Torres del Paine National Park and the Magallanes region offers breathtaking views, the weather capable of changing in an instant.
Enter the region known as the Carratera Austral.. Hot springs will sooth the flesh at the Lodge of Puyuhuapi on the Caraterra Austral. Once on the road, you’ll pass near the volcano of Chaiten, a violent eruption in 2008 resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life. The quaint island of Chiloe, with its unique architecture and European influences will be an overnight stop.
On paved roads in the Chilean lake regions the Patagonia Explorer returns to the Port of San Antonio on the Pacific Ocean where participants load their vehicles in shipping containers for the return sail to the home port to be announced.A final night in Santiago where we'll fiesta and no doubt plans will be made for the next KaravanADV event! How about something more challenging…the Amazon!
6 vehicles / 12 persons
10 vehicles / 20 persons
320 miles / 516 km
64 miles / 103 km
Viña del Mar, Chile
Average temperatures will become increasingly cooler as the journey proceeds south and at higher elevations. Sleet and snow, even in the Austral summer, are not uncommon in the southernmost Tierra del Fuego region. Expect from 32°C / 90°F to lows of 4°C / 40°F. High winds are common in southern Patagonia and Straits of Magellan that can impact ferry crossing schedules. The UV index is elevated in southern Patagonia due to proximity to the Antarctic ozone hole, and can result in skin burn.
6,661 miles / 10.721 km
60% paved / 40% unpaved VEHICLE
Shipping personal vehicle to South America.*inquire about rental options.
With this application, you are soliciting to participate in a KaravanADV event. We will follow up to advise you of the status of the event and at that time, will request additional information and a deposit to confirm your booking.
Driver
Address
PASSENGER #1
PASSANGER #2
One year in advance is not too soon. Our South America Expeditions and Tours require many months of advance planning to secure the best possible services and amenities.This is especially so when a tour involves international ocean freighting. This is not a tour to book last minute. Please don’t delay. Make your commitment as soon as possible.
Yes. By design KaravanADV has crafted the Patagonia Explorer to be a romantic driving adventure. We’ve elevated the style, yet deliver an authentic international travel experience sprinkled with to be expected challenges, unpredictability and wondrous occasions of cultural and natural encounters, all the qualities that produce memories for a lifetime. Share this with your family, friends and loved ones!
It is a complex process demanding participants to provide ORIGINAL titles and fill out a series of forms to satisfy the various shipping and government agencies. We handle it all! It is likely that a Ro-Ro (roll on-roll off) vessel will be used. Note that the vehicle must be in our hands one week prior to sailing date. Sailing will take between 20 and 36 days. We’ll provide you with specific timelines and vehicle preparations. Port of sailing, to be announced.
Yes. We have been traveling in this region for decades. Both Chile and Argentina are politically stable and welcoming. As with any travel, one must accept that there are risks and exposures, however relatively speaking, this tour is very safe.
Given that there is no camping, and the off road conditions are not expected to be technically challenging, the emphasis should be on comfort and reliability. Consider that parts and service will be difficult to locate. Look for pre-tour information packets to provide additional information on this subject.
The Patagonia Explorer does not require a high level of off-road driving prowess. You should be familiar with, and have tested, the off roading mechanisms of your vehicle. We will ask that you be sensitive to the natural environment, drive courteously and responsibly, and be a willing member of the team. An example: if you’ve done a high Colorado pass or two, you’ll do fine! Call us and we can discuss further.
No. The exceptions may be border crossings, ferry crossings and other situations where a group activity is planned. We actually encourage independence and that you travel at a pace that suits you. Should you wish to explore outside of the planned route, just let us know, and we’ll look forward to learning of your discoveries at dinner!
Yes. We’ll gladly assist to permit you to share the experience. Let us consult with you on the itinerary highlights, fly-in options and logistics. We’ll get you a price. This is not an uncommon request. We welcome the opportunity to facilitate your guests.
It should not be a concern on this event. The time spent at altitude will only be a single crossing of the Andes from Chile to Argentina, the highest point briefly at 10,500 ft. near Portillo. An excursion may be planned to get as close as possible to the peak of Aconcagua in which case altitudes may affect those with sensitivity.
It is good to be current on tetanus and diphtheria. Also world travelers all agree that it is prudent to have the latest in hepatitis innoculations. No other shots are required however you should consult with your physician.
We are aware that for many, this has become an essential requirement. In the more remote regions, availability is inconsistent and limited bandwidth results in frustrating slow speeds. For this reason KaravanADV will have Starlink Roam allowing the group to have sharable access on the go.
As of this writing no advance visas are required for US citizens. All other nationalities should inquire with their consulates or contact KaravanADV.
Yes. We find that Squaremouthoffers the most comprehensive and easiest means of comparing policy offerings. Medical evacuation insurance is MANDATORY on all KADV events. Trip interruption and cancellation insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED as we must adhere to our REFUND AND CANCELLATION policy.
Mandatory third party coverage (referred to as SOAT or SOAP) will be obtained for you and the price is included in the tour. Optional comprehensive coverage in the event of damage or theft is difficult to obtain. We are continuing to research availability.
Yes. Actually private customized tours are our specialty. We are in a position to satisfy your particular requests. For example travel dates, destinations, inclusions, style and special interests, can all be addressed to meet your needs. KaravanADV has a wealth of logistics experience and global resources. Start by filling out this simple Custom Private Tour Inquiry Form, and look for a speedy response.
